The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, initiated on October 1, 2025, due to a funding impasse, is significantly disrupting immigration services. The Department of Labor (DOL), essential for processing H-1B visas and employment-based green cards, has halted operations. Consequently, new applications, employer transfers, or status changes to H-1B are paused unless the Labor Condition Application (LCA) was approved before the shutdown. This impasse affects a substantial number of Indian professionals, who constitute over 71% of H-1B beneficiaries. While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues operations funded by application fees, the DOL's suspension has created uncertainty for many applicants. (PC: Reuters)        

In his annual Vijaya Dashami address on October 2, 2025, at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the importance of 'Swadeshi' (indigenous production) in response to the United States' recent tariff policies against India. He criticized the U.S. tariffs as self-serving but acknowledged the inevitability of global interdependence. Bhagwat cautioned that such dependence should not become a compulsion and stressed the need for India to focus on self-reliance while maintaining diplomatic relations with all nations. He also addressed regional unrest, warning that instability in neighboring countries could lead to foreign interference and urging India to embrace its diversity while rejecting divisive mentalities. (PC: NDTV)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan regarding its recent military build-up near the Sir Creek region, stating that any misadventure would invite a response capable of altering both history and geography. Speaking at a public event on the occasion of 'Shashtra Pujan', Singh accused Pakistan of intentionally stirring up the long-standing border dispute in the Sir Creek area. He emphasized that India has made several attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue, but Pakistan's intentions remain unclear. The Sir Creek region, a 96-km marshy strip in the Rann of Kutch, has long been a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. Singh reminded Pakistan that one route to Karachi passes through the creek, highlighting its strategic significance. He further invoked the 1965 India-Pakistan war, reminding that Indian forces had once advanced as far as Lahore, signaling India's military capabilities. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan over its military build-up near Sir Creek, accusing it of deliberately reigniting the border dispute. Speaking on 'Shashtra Pujan', Singh emphasized India's repeated diplomatic efforts and Pakistan’s unclear intentions. He warned that any misadventure would provoke a response capable of altering “history and geography,” invoking the 1965 war and stating, “One route to Karachi passes through the Creek.” Singh also highlighted Operation Sindoor, where Indian forces exposed Pakistan’s air defence system, asserting India’s readiness to inflict heavy losses. The Sir Creek region, a strategic 96-km strip in the Rann of Kutch, remains a sensitive flashpoint between the two nations.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled initiatives to enhance the global usage of the Indian Rupee (INR). Authorized Dealer (AD) banks can now extend INR-denominated loans to non-residents in Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for trade-related transactions, boosting regional trade settlements. The RBI will also establish transparent reference rates for currencies like the Indonesian rupiah and UAE dirham to enable predictable pricing and promote INR usage internationally. Additionally, Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) balances can now be invested in corporate bonds and commercial papers, increasing liquidity and global appeal of INR assets. (PC: Reuters)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the Sangh's 100th anniversary at Nagpur's Reshimbagh grounds, advocating self-reliance amid America's new tariff policy. He stated "no nation can survive in isolation" but emphasized interdependence shouldn't become compulsion. Bhagwat stressed building strength from within, pursuing political, economic, and diplomatic relations through choice rather than necessity, declaring "there is no substitute for Swadeshi and self-reliance." He noted rising nationalist spirit among India's younger generation, with religious and social institutions serving underprivileged sections. Bhagwat expressed concern over violent regime changes in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, warning that forces attempting similar disturbances in India remain active both domestically and internationally.

On September 30, 2025, a catastrophic accident occurred at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station construction site in Ennore, Tamil Nadu. A 45-meter-high steel arch collapsed during construction, resulting in the deaths of nine migrant workers from Assam. The workers were employed by a subcontractor of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). Despite safety measures, the collapse left little chance of survival. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim's family and ordered the repatriation of their bodies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences and announced financial assistance for the deceased and injured. The cause of the collapse is under investigation. (PC: The Hindu)    

US President Donald Trump has reshared Prime Minister Narendra Modi's endorsement of his 20-point Gaza peace plan on Truth Social, without adding any personal commentary. In his original post, Modi described the plan as a “viable pathway” to lasting peace, security, and development for both Palestinians and Israelis, urging all parties to unite behind Trump's initiative. The White House introduced the plan on Monday, proposing measures such as an immediate ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, a phased Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and the establishment of a transitional government overseen by an international body. (PC: PTI)  

India has condemned the defacement of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Tavistock Square, London, calling it “shameful” and an attack on non-violence. The Indian High Commission urged UK authorities to take “immediate action” against those responsible. The bronze statue, unveiled in 1968, was spray-painted with the words “Terrorists” and “Gandhi, Modi and Hindustani.” Police are treating the incident as racially aggravated but no arrests have been made. Cleaning teams quickly moved to restore the statue. The vandalism comes days before Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary on October 2, observed as the International Day of Non-Violence worldwide. (PC: BBC)

Nepalese youth, like 20-year-old Bivas Rana, are abandoning aspirations to join India's Gorkha regiments due to the Agnipath scheme. Introduced in 2022, the scheme offers four-year contracts with only 25% retention, eliminating pensions and long-term job security. Nepal officially rejected the scheme, citing violations of the 1947 Tripartite Agreement that governs Gorkha recruitment. Since then, no Nepal-domiciled Gorkha has enlisted in the Indian Army. This policy shift has disrupted a 200-year-old tradition, affecting approximately 40,000 Nepali soldiers across seven Gorkha regiments. As a result, Nepalese youths are increasingly opting to serve in their own national army instead. (PC: ANI)